Vernon Kay has spoken on his radio show after the shock news over the weekend that he and wife Tess Daly have split
09:40, 11 May 2026Updated 10:03, 11 May 2026
Vernon and Tess have split(Image: Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for EJAF)
Vernon Kay addressed his split from Tess Daly as he returned to his Radio 2 show today.
The presenter and Tess announced they were ‘amicably’ ending their 23 year marriage in a joint statement on Friday. As he returned to work days after the bombshell news, Vernon took the time to thank fans at the start of his show.
He told listeners: “I just want to say on behalf of me and Tess thank you for your well wishes. it’s been greatly appreciated.” The broadcaster then swiftly moved on and played the first track of his three hour show.
It comes after the Mirror reported that the couple have decided to ‘keep it classy’ and are remaining good friends despite their separation. The pair were even together when they hit publish on their split statement on Friday night and toasted the move with a glass of fizz.
READ MORE: Tess Daly and Vernon Kay’s daughter announces ‘new era’ for her mumREAD MORE: Vernon Kay addresses family dynamic ‘change’ and says ‘we don’t want that’
They hosted The One Show together in February(Image: BBC)
The couple, who married in September 2003 and share two daughters, said there are no other parties involved in the decision.
In a joint statement shared on Instagram, they said: “After much consideration, and with a deep sense of care and respect for one another, we have made the decision to separate amicably.
“This has not been an easy choice, but it comes from a place of mutual understanding and a shared desire for what is best for both of us.
“We remain great friends and more importantly, fully committed to our roles as loving and supportive parents, which will always be our priority.
“There are no other parties involved in this decision. We kindly ask for privacy during this time as we navigate this transition together.
“We will not be making any further public comments. Tess and Vernon.”
The former Strictly Come Dancing presenter and the BBC Radio 2 DJ are parents to daughter Phoebe, born in October 2004, and Amber, born in May 2009.
After their split, a friend close to the couple admitted they don’t have a lot in common anymore. And they said the pair have “aged differently.”
The source told the Mail: “Tess needs to find a rich, older man with a yacht, while Vernon is still a big kid. He loves going out and having a good time, he loves to have a drink and a laugh.”
The insider said the pair’s interests are different. They claim Vernon is happy to spend time at gigs and watching American football. Tess, however, is said to prefer to relax on ‘girls weekends’ and is ready to be ‘selfish’ herself now that she has left Strictly Come Dancing.
In the last year alone, Vernon headed to see Oasis five times during their reunion tour. Not once was he with Tess for a show.
The source said: “‘They are totally different people now. They used to have so much in common but things have changed. They have changed. They have aged differently.”
Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .